The Di-Ry Blog

My Dad's Birthday Lunch

2009-06-30T18:51:00.000-07:00

Saturday was my Daddy's Birthday so we celebrated by taking him to Canaletto Ristorante in Fashion Island. We were glad to have Dasa and Domi join in on our celebration!

We had delicious thin crust Italian-style pizza and salads and of course wine. A true Italian meal.

Happy Birthday Daddy, we love you so much and are always thankful to be celebrating YOU!

Dasa & Domi Arrive + Father's Day!

2009-06-23T14:14:00.001-07:00

My Aunt and Cousin finally arrived from Berlin late Friday night and Saturday my mom brought them to our home for a tour, coffee at Peet's, and lunch! It was so great to have them here- at last!

Saturday night Ry and I went over to my mom's for dinner... we had our usual cocktail madness, followed by another one of my mom's great dinners.

Sunday, Father's Day, started off at church and then a leisurely brunch on my mom's sun drenched patio... the sun has finally decided to make an entrance!!

We celebrated my dad with this amazing fruit tart (his favorite) and we got him wind chimes for his backyard... looked like it was a home-run gift.

What a great weekend with my family, definitely the more the merrier in our household!

6/14/09 Weekend Happenings

2009-06-17T14:07:00.001-07:00

Saturday we took a little trip to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach... what a beautiful aquarium.. we got to hold the starfish pictured above...

We got to touch the sting-rays... Ry was very impressed!

We also got to touch baby sharks! It really was fascinating... the Shark touching pond was designed to eliminate fears of sharks... I wouldn't go quite as far as to say I'm no longer scared of sharks but it was worth the try!

I got up close and personal with a seal! Well there was a piece of glass separating us but it is definitely the closest I'll ever get to one!

After our Aquarium adventures, we took a shuttle to the Queen Mary where we toured the haunted ship and pretended to be past royalty aboard the, once luxurious, cruise ship!

After seeing such beautiful fish at the aquarium, we were inspired to get our own! Meet Jerry, the newest member of our family! He is a colorful Betta and loves to watch me cook and he enjoys mealtimes with us!

6/7/09 Weekend Happenings

2009-06-09T18:38:00.000-07:00

Saturday I finally got to meet Laura and Aurelia for lunch in Manhattan Beach, we had a great time catching up and Aurelia fit right in with our much needed girls day out.

Sunday we met Lindsay and Chris for lunch in Pasadena and had the BEST time talking about embarrassing moments... we will miss being close to you both so much! We were also able to meet up with Lindsay and Mark for drinks at Cafe Santorini... it was quite the social weekend!

While in Maui, we took pictures of plumeria's and decided to have our favorite picture silk-screened onto canvas! Here is our new plumeria canvas hanging above our bed, we are so pleased with the outcome! Who knew that I had a knack for photography!

Wedding Festivities

2009-05-31T21:48:00.000-07:00

This weekend we were celebrating weddings (past and upcoming!) Saturday we attended Gabe and Diana's White Wedding Reception in San Diego.

We toasted to Gabe and Diana's recent wedding, their new baby boy Zander who will be here in September, and their upcoming move to Sacramento. We will miss you both so much!

Sunday I had the honor to take my dear friend Lindsay to her Bridal Shower to celebrate her upcoming wedding in July! Lindsay had a beautiful shower in Pasadena and I am so excited to see her walk down the aisle- she will be a beautiful bride!

Maui- May 2009

2009-05-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

Ahhh... beautiful Maui.. this year we decided to explore the Kapalua side of the island and to our surprise, it ended up being our favorite trip to Maui ever! We stayed at the Ritz Carlton and enjoyed every minute of it. As soon as we arrived and checked into our gorgeous hotel, Ry mixed us up some Mai Tai's and we were ready to vacation!

Walking around the Ritz Carlton grounds and exploring all their amenities took up almost our entire first day... what a special part of the world. We explored and took an early evening dip in their cascading pool.

We then had our first nights' dinner at the Ritz Carlton's Kai Sushi restaurant... what an amazing meal! The freshest pieces of fish and dessert was to die for! A macadamia nut tart with white chocolate and gelato, yummy!

In the mornings on our lanai, we enjoyed Cappuccino's and cereal with the sweetest Hawaiian fruit... papaya's, bananas, and blackberries. The perfect start to our days!

Day two consisted of our morning swim in the warm ocean and laying out on JT Flemming's beautiful, private beach. Then back to the pool for some great people watching! We had our second dinner at the Plantation House- our old tried and true favorite and again, it did not disappoint. I had our usual local fish, Mediterranean style, and finished off with a home-made banana/brownie sundae.

Day three consisted of taking the shuttle to the Kapalua Bay for a morning snorkel... we saw lots of beautiful Hawaiian fish, colorful coral, and even an eel! In the afternoon we drove to Kanapali to look at the shops and afterwards ended up getting iced coffee's in Kapalua, recharging, and hitting up the great Kapalua shops as well!

Our last and most favorite meal was at Marimen's... we had a table on the patio overlooking the ocean and the meal was divine... great Savignon Blancs, a grilled Mahi Mahi with a blood orange sauce and asparagus for me and an outstanding Hawaiian snapper with pureed cauliflower for Ry. Dessert was unbelievable.. a chocolate purse.. PURE, rich chocolate genache in a flaky purse.. the perfect ending to our trip!

On our last day we managed a quick and final trip to the ocean, followed by checking out (tear tear). We drove to Wailea to spend the day on the other side of Maui before our flight back home that evening. We couldn't resist making a stop at the Wailea Shops, where Ry bought me the best "trip treat" EVER!! A Tiffany's 14 karat Gold Diamond Ring!!! I'm the most spoiled girl in the world! Maui is one of the most special places in the world and it's beauty never ceases to amaze us... until next time!

Belated Mother's Day

2009-05-16T18:39:00.000-07:00

This weekend I celebrated my mom's belated Mother's Day since we were In Sacramento last weekend. I took her to lunch at the new Pelican Hill Resort, where we had a delicious lunch on the poolside patio. Afterwards we went to their Caffe for the best gelato and macaroons in town! Happy Mother's Day Mom, we love you so much!

Marty's 60th Surprise Weekend

2009-05-11T20:35:00.000-07:00

For Ry's mom's 60th Birthday, the Conkle fam all schemed to surprise her by showing up to celebrate! Lindsay and Paw Paw arrived Friday and Ry and I flew in Saturday night and surprised her at a dual 60th Birthday Party Bash.

Sunday we had a nice breakfast at the Conkle's and then headed off to Napa for a private champagne tasting at Schramsberg. At the end of the tasting, we had a Schramsberg bottle engraved for Marty's 60th birthday presented to her... it looked like she really liked it!

We finished the day with lunch at Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen... we had a delicious meal and enjoyed being all together. Happy 60th Birthday to Marty!!

Ry's Birthday Party

2009-05-08T20:33:00.000-07:00

Since we are leaving for Sacramento tomorrow, my parents wanted to partake in celebrating Ry's birthday so my sweet mom surprised Ry by having a little dinner party for him.

We toasted Ry's health with pomegranate martini's!

My mom made Ry's favorite Czech speciality... Turkey stuffed Peppers with home-made Gnocchi drenched in her aaaaaamazing stewed tomato sauce... what a treat!

No birthday would be complete without a home-made chocolate mousse/strawberry birthday cake! Looks like Ry's birthday wish came true since he blew out ALL of his candles!

Ry's Early Birthday Weekend

2009-05-03T20:23:00.000-07:00

Since we will be out of town next weekend for Ry's Mom's 60th Birthday, I decided to surprise Ry a weekend before HIS birthday by taking him to the Four Seasons Westlake for some R&R. This is one of our most favorite hotels in the world and we love spending time at this peaceful retreat.

We used the gym, spa, and laid out by the pool all day... the weather was perfect. We had a picnic lunch with all of Ry's favorite cheeses outside by the botanical gardens.

Then I surprised him by taking him to Cafe Firenze in Moorpark for dinner- restaurant owned by Chef Fabio from Top Chef- our favorite contestant on the show. I was so bummed Fabio was out of town last minute... the plan was to have Fabio surprise Ry with his birthday dessert! Unfortunately it didn't go as planned but we enjoyed being in Fabio's spirit, regardless.

Sunday morning we made our usual rounds to Peet's, caught a couple more rays by the pool and then it was time to check out of our lovely room. Ry's friend Russ surprised him by showing up at Natural Cafe and having lunch with us and then he took him golfing while I...

Went to Tereza's baby shower! Wishing you the best of luck, Tereza, with your soon-to-be new addition to your family! What a great birthday weekend for Ry... Happy Early Birthday!!

Happy Easter 2009

2009-04-12T21:41:00.000-07:00

Easter this year was at my parent's home, what a fun day we had! Ry and I went to Mariner's in the morning and we both agreed that is was our favorite Easter Sunday service yet. We then drove to my parent's, where we were greeted with her famous (and our most favorite) home-made Apple Strudel (shown above).

It was a sunny and beautiful day so my mom set up a beautiful table outside and we had Vueve Cliquot Champagne (only the best!) and a delicious Easter Brunch: A Veggie Frittata, a summer salad, and my mom's home-made bread. And of course for dessert... the Strudel with Ice Cream!

After lunch we went for a long walk on the beach, soaked up the sunshine and went back home for our Easter Dinner... Pineapple Ham with Cabbage and Roasted Potatoes. Finished off the night with watching Yes Man- great movie by the way! Thanks Mama, for all of your hard work- you are the BEST!

Gabe & Diana Visit

2009-04-11T21:39:00.000-07:00

Our dear friends, Gabe and Diana came to visit us so that we could toast to their exciting news... they are expecting a baby boy!!

We went to dinner at Nirvana Grill in Laguna Beach and then for Gelato at Tutto Amore. It was so good to see them and we wish them the best of luck to their new life!

Carmel for Cliff's 60th Birthday!

2009-04-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

Ry's Dad turned 60 so we had to celebrate this special milestone!! We met the Conkle's and Jamison's in Carmel for a fun-filled weekend. The boys played golf at Pebble while the girls caught up and sipped on Chardonnay at the beautiful Spanish Bay Resort, overlooking the ocean.

My cute golfer in full swing!! Looks like a Hole in One to me!!

We pre-partied at Lobos Lodge and got to catch-up with Eric and Laurie! Cliff opened up his surprise golf-package, looks like he is all set to golf for a long time to come!

We all jumped into our Limo and drank & laughed our way to Fandango's for dinner in honor of Cliff! Sunday morning consisted of our usual: Breakfast at Il Fornaio, a long walk along the beach, checking out the cute Carmel shops, and lunch at our favorite spot... Cafe Rustica. What a great weekend and once again, Happy 60th Birthday to Cliff!!

Di's 27th Birthday

2009-03-31T21:36:00.000-07:00

I feel like I've been celebrating my 27th all month! Last weekend Ry took me to the new Voda Spa in LA, where we had massages, facials, foot scrubs- the works! It was so relaxing and I felt so pampered. Then he took me to the Beverly Center for a shopping spree and then to Michael Mina's XIV on Sunset for a great dinner. This weekend my parents took us out to Stonehill Tavern at the St. Regis for a fabulous dinner. Thank you to all my family and friends for your heart-felt birthday wishes!

Lake Arrowhead 2009

2009-02-22T21:34:00.000-08:00

Just got back from our annual Lake Arrowhead Resort weekend. This time we were toasting my NEW JOB!! We relaxed at their beautiful spa and had another great dinner at Bin89. Sunday the boys went skiing and the girls shopped and poked around town. New job, here I come!!

My Beloved Cesko

2009-02-07T21:31:00.000-08:00

Since leaving TGP in January, I decided to take advantage of my time off and booked a last-minute not-long-enough trip to Czech to see my beautiful family that I miss soooooo much. Dasa, Dominik and Ivo surprised me and came all the way from Berlin to spend the weekend with me. Nothing makes me happier than to have the entire fam together. So my favorite women in the world (my grandma) made her Czech specialities and we all caught up over long meals, lots of laughter, and re-living past memories.

My grandpa hosted a few parties in my honor at his home and I was able to spend time with my mom's side of the family.

I went to Lenka's for wine & cake and hung out with my cousins... Paul, David and Zuzanka. Zuzanka is getting bigger each time I see her and she has the BEST personality!

In honor of my cousin Paul graduating from a prestigious Engineering school in Prague, Jituska and Mirecek took us to a brand new restaurant in Luhacovice where we had champagne, great meals and danced the night away. It was a quick trip but worth soaking up every minute of my time with my sweet family. I love them all SOOOO much and can't wait to go back again soon!

New Years 2009

2009-01-01T21:24:00.000-08:00

We celebrated New Year's 2009 at Kim and Jon's cute home in Ladera Ranch. We had a potluck dinner with fondue and a home-made delicious Cheesecake!

We all toasted to the New Year with Ryan Seacrest as our host! Thank you Kim and Jon for a great New Year's 2009 Party!

Our 4th Anniversary

2008-12-31T21:22:00.000-08:00

My sweet husband took me to Studio at The Montage for our 4th Anniversary- what a gorgeous restaurant. We had the best table in the house and toasted with Vueve Cliquot (a generous gift from my best friend Laura). Dinner was hands-down the best in Orange County and the fresh orchids all around smelled up the beautiful dining room. And of course Ry always has a surprise ending... a stunning diamond necklace in a turquoise box with a white bow :)

Merry Christmas 2008

2008-12-26T21:20:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2008 kicked off at my parent's home for our traditional Czech meal... mushroom potato soup, breaded fish fillets, and potato salad followed by my mom's Czech Christmas cookies... the BEST cookies in the entire world. Ry and I literally OD'd on those!

We then took off for Sacramento for Christmas at the Conkle's: a beautiful Christmas Eve Dinner with Paw Paw, Alma, and the Jamison's, woke up to piles of gifts from Santa under the tree, Christmas Dinner with the fam, all topped off by a trip to San Francisco for some shopping and a delicious lunch in one of my favorite cities. Merry Christmas and a BIG thank you to both families for all of your generosity and hard work.

Our 1st Christmas Party

2008-12-09T21:17:00.000-08:00

Since we moved into our new home so quickly, we never had a proper house warming party so we decided what perfect way to celebrate our new home than to have a Christmas Party with all of our favorite friends! Above is our very first Christmas tree in our new home. Each ornament is so special and has it's own personal meaning... I absolutely love our tree and all that it means to us!

We decided to have a Wine themed Christmas Party so we had Honey Ham with home-made Cranberry Sauce, artisan cheese and crackers, and I made pumpkin bars. Everyone brought a fun bottle of wine and we tasted what everyone brought!

Thanks to all of our friends for coming, it was SO good to see everyone and toast to a Merry Holiday Season!

Laura brought Aurelia so of course everyone was fighting over holding her... it was so fun to celebrate little Aurelia's first Christmas.

Thanksgivng 2008

2008-11-28T18:44:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving the Conkle's came to Orange County to have our first Conkle/Mcousek family Thanksgiving! The girls cooked all morning and prepared all the Thanksgiving favorites while the boys watched TV! We took an afternoon break and went for a walk by the beach to work up our Thanksgiving appetites... a wise plan because we ate our weight in delicious food that night!

Friday our family time continued... we had leftover Thanksgiving treats at my mom's and went and saw "Four Christmases." We then went to Rodger's Gardens to look at all the beautiful ornaments... which got us all in the Christmas spirit. We ended the night with drinks at French 75 and a delicious Italian dinner at Caneletto Ristorante in Fashion Island. What a great Thanksgiving weekend!

The San Diego Zoo

2008-11-15T18:41:00.000-08:00

This weekend Ry and I went to the San Diego Zoo... what a beautiful park! We saw so many amazing animals... our favorites were the panda's, elephants, and giraffe's!

After walking around the large park all day, we worked up quite an appetite and ended the night at Jack's in La Jolla for great drinks and pizza's... followed by delicious gelato. What a fun day at the zoo!

Happy 90th Birthday to our Paw Paw

2008-10-20T21:14:00.000-07:00

Since we were not able to fly to OKC to celebrate Paw Paw's 90th Birthday, we decided to send him our wishes California style! We love you so much Paw Paw and wishing you many more healthy years to come!

Jituska & Mirecek Visit

2008-08-31T21:09:00.000-07:00

My second parents, Jituska and Mirecek, came to visit from Czech!! Our time with them was TOO short but sweet and we enjoyed having an Italian dinner on my mom's patio, a sunset picnic dinner at Montage, and celebrating the new addition to our family... a Mini Cooper!

In honor of my uncle's 50th Birthday, he and my aunt were sweet enough to host us at Marche Moderne for his special birthday celebration. Delicious wine and food + a handful of my favorite people = Sweet Memories. I was sad to say good-bye but they promised they would be back soon!!

Our New Mini!

2008-08-01T18:38:00.000-07:00

After waiting for our a long time for our new family member to arrive all the way from England... we were finally able to meet our new Mini Cooper! Ry had every part custom ordered and it was so fun to finally play around with all the Mini's neat features and zip around town!

We took the Mini on it's first outing to Montage, where we had a picnic with Jituska, Mirecek and my parents. Our cute Mini... welcome to the family!